Earl J. Hines, better known in his life as Bob, passed away at home in sleep at the age of 98. His wife of over 77 years, Marjorie Hines, preceded him by only a few weeks. This loss marked the singular insurmountable event of his long life.
His first job was working with family in a lead mine around Leeds, KS. His childhood and teenage years saw the great depression and the dust bowl first hand from just outside the epicenter. His Army career engaged him during World War 2 and took him to dozens of stations before a longer deployment in Iran. Upon his return he worked as a Machinist in Kansas City for almost 40 years before retiring and road traveling North America with his wife.
He and his wife built close friends who feel his loss, but remember his lessons. Work hard, save harder. Avoid owing anything and keep your focus on a table full of food for friends and family. A flip through photo albums shows a man who enjoyed himself once all those needs were taken care of.
Tough, Committed, Inexorable - that is Bob. I don't imagine the world will ever again be hard enough to produce another man like him.